Can you elaborate? Or at least explain what you mean as "value" and how
that relates to "price".

"Value" and "price" aren't related in the sense you pose the question.....

Value is a subjective concept where one can judge for one's self -
using one's own criteria - as to whether or not the "price paid" was
justified or "worth it"....

In particular, I'd be curious as to what theory you have that would make
"anything free worth what you pay for it" in a world where many people
donate time, money, or other valuables.

My opinion - not a "theory" - is that once you accept something for
nothing, you cannot complain or be unhappy with what you got. It was
"worth", in that sense, exactly what you paid for it.

Further, the notion that "freeware" is somehow a noble concept of
generosity to the world is a tad extreme. I don't presume to understand
the motives of those who give away their work - if you want it to be
justified, ask them. Personally, I prefer to be paid for my work - an
exchange of "value" for "value".

Applying that standard, if you "value" your work at "nothing", i.e.,
give it away for "free", then don't be surprised if the beneficiary of
your gift assigns the same "value" to that work.......